Thousands of residents in Sherbrooke, Quebec, have expressed opposition to a proposed large-scale data center, citing concerns over lack of transparency from the local council. Worries about the environmental impact and noise levels of the project have prompted residents to call for environmental assessments and public discussions, questioning the decision to allow a U.S.-based company to construct a significant data center in their vicinity.
Jayson Roy, a resident leading the petition with over 4,500 signatures, criticized the city for selectively highlighting the project’s benefits while disregarding specific issues and overlooking the broader implications. He emphasized the need for a more comprehensive evaluation beyond individual concerns.
The municipal authorities in Sherbrooke are moving forward with a deal involving Keel Infrastructure, a U.S. company previously known as Bitfarms. The conditional sale of land on Industriel Boulevard to the company has reignited concerns among residents, reminiscent of past controversies surrounding cryptocurrency operations by the same company, which faced criticism for noise disturbances and energy consumption.
Roy, who has a background in the tech industry, also raised apprehensions about digital sovereignty, suggesting that the involvement of a Quebec or Canadian company would be preferable to benefit the local economy rather than supporting a foreign enterprise.
In response to the backlash, Sherbrooke officials clarified that the deal is not yet finalized, with Mayor Marie-Claude Bibeau stressing that the approval merely authorizes negotiations for the sale of a specific plot of land, not the immediate construction of the data center. The city leaders underscored the financial significance of the project, highlighting the revenue generated from electricity sales through Hydro-Sherbrooke, which contributes significantly to the city’s annual income.
While the company has 180 days to complete necessary studies and meet city-imposed conditions, Bibeau assured that measures such as closed-circuit cooling systems and strategic location planning would address concerns related to water usage and noise emissions. Emphasizing the importance of comprehensive impact studies, Bibeau assured that no final approval has been granted, signaling a commitment to address community concerns and ensure environmental sustainability.
Keel Infrastructure noted plans for a forthcoming public information session to address resident inquiries and dispelled notions of increased water consumption or electricity demand. The company highlighted its intention to transfer existing electrical capacity to the new site rather than seeking additional power generation, emphasizing the project’s sustainable energy approach. Keel also emphasized ongoing efforts to mitigate noise issues from past operations and stressed the importance of evaluating the proposed data center based on current information and merits.
Despite these assurances, some elected officials, including members of Sherbrooke Citoyen, have raised objections to the project’s lack of transparency, underscoring the need for more information and public engagement at all project stages.